GS4 · 20 marks · 250 words
In one case, a district magistrate was seen filming a surprise school inspection in which teachers were scolded on camera — the video was later posted to his personal YouTube channel that is also monetized. While some praised the officer's strictness, others criticized the public shaming of teachers and the breach of service dignity. In another case, a police officer was seen directing a flood rescue operation while his staff filmed drone footage, later edited into a motivational video for social media. You have been asked to prepare a report with recommendations to balance public interest, institutional integrity, and evolving modes of communication. (a) Identify the ethical issues involved in civil servants publicly showcasing their official work on social media. (b) Do such practices promote awareness and motivation, or do they compromise the values of anonymity, neutrality, and collective service ethos? Give your opinion. (c) As the Secretary, what guiding principles and policy recommendations would you suggest to ensure responsible digital engagement by civil servants?
Answered by 2 toppers · CSE 2025
Syllabus: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in Public administration: Status and problems; ethical concerns and dilemmas in government and private institutions; laws, rules, regulations and conscience as sources of ethical guidance; accountability and ethical governance; strengthening of ethical and moral values in governance; ethical issues in international relations and funding; corporate governance.
How toppers approached it
From all 2 answers · about 290 words · 50% drew a diagram.
Opening
- A restatement2 of 2
Body
- Points2 of 2
Close
- A summary1 of 2
- A way forward1 of 2
The toppers’ answers
More on Civil Service Values
Public and civil service values and ethics in public administration: their status, and the problems of holding to them.
- Ensuring that government decisions are not influenced by public officials' private interests is a growing concern. Discuss in the context of India. Also enumerate the core principles reflected by OECD guidelines for managing conflict of interest in the public sector.19 answers
- Enumerate the mechanisms that promote accountability of public officials in discharging their functions and responsibilities in India. Also discuss why ensuring accountability for performance is not a simple task in government service.19 answers
- Differentiate between administration and leadership. Highlighting the traits which characterize an effective leader, discuss the importance of leadership in ensuring effective public service delivery in a bureaucratic setup.18 answers
- In a democracy, the purpose of the government should be to make it easy for people to do good and difficult to do wrong. Comment.18 answers
- Discuss, with examples, the significance of principles of public life as recommended by Nolan committee. Why are these principles considered as an essential set of expectations from public servants?18 answers